News for the Hospitality Executive |
SCOTTSDALE,
DALLAS and LONDON (March 29, 2010)
– Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) has expanded its
relationship with Pegasus Solutions
with
the addition of two brands to the company’s agent-preferred Global
Commission Processing Services, including Marriott
ExecuStay, and the Autograph Collection. The two brands, which
currently
represent more than 220 properties worldwide, will leverage Pegasus’
positive
relationships with travel agents to drive business.
The Autograph Collection (GDS brand code AK) will offer a diverse portfolio of high-personality independent hotels, the first of which will join the Marriott portfolio this month. Marriott ExecuStay® (GDS brand code EE) is the industry's premier temporary housing solution, providing move-in ready furnished apartments within two business days in more than 300 cities in the U.S. A Pegasus Global Commission Processing Services customer for more than 12 years, Marriott maintains a solid record of low agency commission reconciliation inquiries, with only six percent resulting in inquiries and 100 percent closed in less than 23 days. With the addition of the two new brands to Pegasus’ leading Commission Processing Services, the company is further demonstrating its commitment to building business for agents, according to Julius Robinson, vice president of global sales intermediaries for Marriott International, Inc. “The strength of our core brand is largely due to the incredible relationships we maintain with travel agents worldwide. Pegasus is a true partner for us in maintaining those relationships, ensuring our booking agents get paid every time, when they expect, and how they expect,” said Robinson. “As we expand our offering, it’s important to ensure these two brands enjoy the same advantage that Pegasus offers with the agent community.” Pegasus Global Commission Processing through Marriott International offers agents weekly commission payments via check or direct deposit in any of 37 currencies. As the preferred commission payment provider for more than 60,000 travel agencies worldwide, Pegasus processes more than $500 million in commissions annually, serving more than 35,000 properties, as well as the majority of travel distributors in more than 200 countries. “Marriott’s commitment to travel agents is evident in its success,” said Ric Leutwyler, chief operating officer for Pegasus Solutions. “From its popular Hotel Excellence! training program for agents, to its long-time dedication to Pegasus to ensure prompt and regular agent commission payments, it is a hotel company that recognizes the value of keeping booking agents happy. We’re elated to expand our relationship with this revered company.” Marriott International, Inc. offers more than 3,400 hotels worldwide in 68 countries to agents under 13 brands, including JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance Hotels & Resorts, and Courtyard by Marriott Hotels. Marriott also employs Pegasus for global distribution services via UltraSwitch, which serves as the world’s single largest processor of electronic hotel transactions, processing more than 40 billion transactions annually. About Marriott International, Inc. MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE:MAR) is a leading lodging company with more than 3,300 lodging properties in 68 countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Bulgari brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club, and Grand Residences by Marriott brands; licenses and manages whole-ownership residential brands, including The Ritz-Carlton Residences, JW Marriott Residences, Marriott Residences, operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, USA and had approximately 137,000 employees at 2009 year-end. It is recognized by FORTUNE® as one of the best companies to work for, and by Newsweek as one of the greenest big companies in America. In fiscal year 2009, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of nearly $11 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. About Pegasus Solutions, Inc. Pegasus Solutions is the world’s leading provider of technology and services to hotels and travel distributors, supplying state-of-the-art central reservation systems and electronic distribution services, advanced agency commission processing and payment services, and hotel marketing representation services. Founded in 1989, Pegasus created and launched the hotel switch, and today its customers include more than 95,000 properties around the globe as well as a majority of the world’s travel agencies. Additionally, Pegasus’ powerful representation arm incorporates Utell® or Hotels & Resorts and Utell Connect, services that have been chosen by nearly 9,000 member hotels in more than 130 countries, making Pegasus the hotel industry’s largest third-party marketing, sales and reservations specialist. Pegasus also powers the niche consumer Web site www.hotelbook.com™, dedicated to promoting independent and boutique hotels throughout the world. Headquartered in Dallas, Pegasus has 18 offices in 11 countries, including regional hubs in London, Singapore and Scottsdale, Arizona. For more information, please visit www.pegs.com or www.utell.com. |
Contacts: Media contact: Ariel Herr |